the rice factory - Honolulu, Hawaii

Tyler H.

Perfect little Japanese rice shop. It seriously feels like you pass right into Japan when you go through the curtains. The staff is so friendly and helpful. The rice is incredible. If it’s one of the main parts of you dish why settle for anything but the best! You can get your rice polished anywhere from brown all the way to white rice. They do it fresh to order right in front of you. Besides rice they have so many different Japanese delicacies. From bonito flakes, to aged shoyu, to vinegars. You will always find an intriguing new ingredient to add to your dishes at home. They also have a wide variety of dish-ware straight from Japan. The best restaurants have their signs out front for a reason. It’s a rare treat to find something this authentic in America. Seriously a must stop in Honolulu!

Ryan Y.

I've been visiting and purchasing rice here since before covid. It's such a good place to buy good rice from Japan. My favorite rice is milled white Oborozuki from Hokaido. Why? Well, I meal prep for the week, so the rice is good for bentos and as leftover rice. It doesn't taste dry after reheating it up days later, it still has a chewy, sticky, soft texture which taste the best. I do buy other types of rice here like nanatsuboshi, and yumepirika...all delicious depending on the dish i make. Their brown rice is good, however you must soak it over night prior to cooking it. I sometimes forget to do it so I stop buying them.
I also buy rice toppings, dried seaweed and soybean powder from here. All delicious depending on what I make. I highly recommend buying your rice here. It's also cheaper than buying it at foodland or nijiya market where they mark it slightly higher.
*Something I wish they would bring back...we used to be able to bring our old rice bags back to be reused. After covid, you cannot do that anymore. Therefore they have become my new plant pot holders, see photo. Lol

Sarah H.

Love love this cute shoppette! Most if not all imported from Japan! They have the cutest things and the yummiest things in the store! Find your specialty condiments and high quality Japanese rice here….!! I think I can loiter in this store for a lonnnnng time just looking at all the products! I feel like I’ve been transported to japan but still in Honolulu 😋🤩

Justin S.

Great shop if you love rice. The staff are super helpful with picking the best option for however you plan to use it. The kind of place I wish I had in my own neighborhood.

Tons of Japanese rice accoutrements (vinegars, paddles, etc...). Just an all around cool store.

Mg 0.

Updated April 2022: Still a great little shop for all things rice (including Japanese vinegars, seasonings, koji, tableware). Got some Oborozuki and some organic Kamiakari rice, both milled for me (whole grain / brown is what I chose).

Original (spring 2021): Super-cool, tiny little shop, even if you don’t end up buying rice. Though, the assortment of individual rice varieties available to purchase, most farmed organically or sustainably, might make anyone into a rice fan.
There’s also a large selection of rice toppings, like furikake and sauces, and gluten-free rice pasta. The furikake & sauces are free of chemical additives, which was a relief (and rare) to see.
Kind staff is bilingual (Japanese-English), and a calm, peaceful environment.

Ret E.

Super Fresh and Tasty Rice direct from the farmers in Japan. Best rice on the island by far. A few different varieties with specific characteristics that are explained through signs and charts or if you ask. Very helpful staff. Rice is milled to order as you wait. Can be totally brown rice (not milled), or quick brown rice, 50% or 20% or white. They will give you the Miller rice bran if you ask, they sell it in a soap, gentle exfoliation.

Kaz M.

I have no idea how I miss this gem for such a long time. They are not here just to sell authentic Japanese rice - but to educate our palettes. Fortunately I went in there 10 min before it’s closing time - otherwise I would have spent hours there to read little postings around the store.

Stocks are low, due to the shipment obviously. So don’t wait …. I shall go back to get more tsuyahime rice

Alaina L.

Go to spot for rice and Japanese food products. Their lunch specials are also amazing when they have them.